Pages

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Triumph Of The Holy Cross

At this Mass this morning, for the feast of the Holy Cross, we had veneration of a relic of the True Cross. It was a most moving ceremony because all of us know what the cross is like, to some extent, in our lives. In these difficult times it seems the shadow of the cross has fallen on Ireland and we must carry it in the midst of many trials and much bitterness

That, however, is the call of the disciple of Christ; Jesus tells us we must take up our cross and follow him if we wish to be his disciples. When Jesus said these words his followers must have been shocked - for them the cross was a horrible method of execution, one which symbolised not only terrible suffering and disgrace, but one which also signified damnation (A curse on him who hangs on a tree: Deut 21:23, Gal 3:13). They would have been at a loss to figure out why Jesus said this: they understood later after the crucifixion and resurrection. But for them it signified something awful and indeed for many when the cross comes it is awful, so we need to look at it and see Christ himself. That is why we Catholics leave the figure of Christ on the cross - when we look at a crucifix our eyes are drawn to the One who hangs upon it and so we do not feel that we are alone - we are there with Jesus - he is with us.

I love this feast because it is so rich - and consoling. I have always been fascinated with the story of St Helena heading off to the Holy Land when in her late seventies/early eighties to look for the Holy Places and relics. She must have been one great lady. She had it tough in life, she knew what the cross was like, so perhaps this made her strong and kept her active at what then would have been a very advanced age. Her husband divorced her to marry the daughter of the emperor and improve his chances of getting the Imperial throne for himself. Constantine her son, however, did not forget her and made her Augusta (empress) when he won the throne, but I imagine he was a tough cookie and Helena may have had her own problems with him: perhaps there was a Monica-Augustine dynamic there too. Some Christian traditions regard Constantine as a saint.

Contrary to what some say, today's feast does not commemorate the finding of the cross - that event was marked by another feast on the old calendar on May 3rd. This feast today originally commemorated the rescue of the relic of the True Cross once preserved in Jerusalem, but carried off as booty by Persian forces in the 7th century. The recovery of the relic reminded the Church of the victory Christ won for us on the cross, and so this feast, the Exultation of the Holy Cross was instituted. Blessed Pope John XXIII combined the two feasts into one in 1960.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Novena to the Holy Family for the Cause of Marriage and Family Life in Ireland

Jesus, Mary and Joseph,

Holy Family of Nazareth,

we bless and venerate you.

We commend to your care and protection

the cause of marriage and family life.

May the peace which reigned in your home

take possession of all hearts and abide in all families.

Confirm all men and women in the truth

so we may recognise what is good and right

and reject all that hinders life

and the true flourishing of humanity.

Guide the hearts of all citizens

that we may witness to the truth

in forming the laws governing our society.

Bless those who work for the protection

of marriage, family and life.

O Jesus, Mary and Joseph,

Holy Family of Nazareth,

We entrust our hearts and our lives to you.

Amen

Novena To Blessed Paul VI For A Miracle For An Unborn Baby Boy

Heavenly Father,

We thank you for the witness of your Servant, Blessed Paul VI, who served you and the Church as Universal Pastor in difficult times.

As a pilgrim among pilgrims he sought to reveal the beauty and joy of the Gospel to the men and women of his time, choosing the way of gentleness and forbearance.

As Shepherd of the flock he sought to proclaim the truth in a time of great confusion in imitation of his patron the Apostle to the Gentiles.

As Servant he proclaimed the Gospel of Life and in doing so bore the cross of suffering and isolation in union with your Crucified Son becoming a Prophet in the midst of the growing culture of death.

As we beseech you to raise your Servant to be numbered among the Saints, may his example of faith, courage and patient endurance inspire us in our daily living of the Gospel and in our witness to Jesus Christ.

May we too be Prophets of life, respecting, protecting and cherishing the gift of life, most especially in its most vulnerable moments.

May we too be your missionaries at this time, seeking to transform the hearts of all men and women through the joy we find in Christ.

Hear our prayers, most Merciful Father, and grant us through the intercession of Blessed Paul the graces we now ask that you may grant a healing of baby Paul.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory Be.

Blessed Paul VI, pray for him

Prayer For Christians In The Middle East

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour of the world, look upon our brothers and sisters in the Middle East, who proclaim your Name and live your Gospel in the midst of persecution, strive and martyrdom. Save them, we pray, protect them, and hear our prayer that peace may come to the Land you graced with your presence.

Pro-Life Novena to St Gianna

Saint Gianna,
Wife, Mother, Doctor and exemplary Christian,
intercede with Christ, our Lord of Life
to help us in these times to proclaim the Gospel of Life;
to bring to an end the evil of abortion
and the conversion of those who promote it;
to help and console those women tempted to do it,
and to heal those who have had one.
Watch over Ireland in these critical days.
Amen.

Three Hail Marys.

About Me

Fr John Hogan, OCDS, a Secular Discalced Carmelite priest serving in the Diocese of Meath, Ireland, is the founder and current Father Director of the Fraternity of St Genesius, an international association of prayer for those in the arts and media. He co-hosts the television series "Forgotten Heritage" on the Eternal Word Television Network.

St Genesius

Fraternity of St Genesius

Become a Missionary From Your Own Home

Assist the Church in her mission of evangelisation to those in the cinema and the arts. As a member of the Fraternity of St Genesius, you can be a missionary through your prayer, uniting yourself with men and women all over the world. In this International Family of Prayer, you can have a part in the New Evangelisation. For more information go to http://www.stgenesius.com/.